Collaborative in-class writing exercises

Critical Analysis of Raise the Red Lantern

Step 1: Pre-viewing activities

Read the novella the film is based on. Since this is an upper-division seminar in Comparative Literature, you are encouraged to read it in the original language if possible.

Su Tong, Qi qie chengchun [Wives and concubines]

Su Tong, Raise the Red Lantern: Three Novellas, trans. Michael S. Duke (New York: W. Morrow and Co., 1993)

Useful links:
     Asian Film Connections
     History of China

A list of Chinese names of major characters and their relationship:

Mr. Chen Zuoqian          rich landowner
Yuru                              first wife
Zhuoyun                        second wife
Meishan                        third wife
Songlian                        fourth wife
Yan'er                           fourth wife's servant; Mr. Chen's lover

As you read, pay attention to the architecture and the manifestation of interpersonal relationship in spatial terms. Where is Songlian assigned to live upon arrival in the Chen family compound?

Where is the story set in the novella? Where is it set in the film?

Visualize the house (Chen family compound) as you read. Does the film surprise you? Is it different from your imagination?

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